Why the American Century Championship Has Become One of Steph Curry’s Favorite Stops
[#accgolf preview]
Featuring longtime tournament PR director Phil “Dinger” Weidinger and superfan Mason Barber (@sfgraphs)
Every July, something interesting happens. For one week, the intensity of the NBA season gives way to mountain air, pine trees, crystal blue water and one of the most unique sporting events in America.
This one Wardell Stephen Curry II isn’t just another golfer at the American Century Championship anymore. He’s become one of the faces of the tournament.
As Let’s Go Warriors prepares to spend another four days covering Curry in South Lake Tahoe, I thought this would be the perfect time to revisit a conversation I recorded last summer with two people who know the event from completely different perspectives.
One is Phil “Dinger” Weidinger, who has spent decades leading public relations for the major golf events including the American Century Championship.
The other is Mason Barber, better known online as @sfgraphs, a longtime Warriors fan whose unforgettable interactions with Steph have become part of ACC lore.
Together, they tell the story of why this tournament has become so much more than celebrity golf.
“Congratulations on Raising a Son Like That”
One of my favorite stories from our conversation came from Phil.
Long before Steph became a four-time NBA champion and global superstar, he arrived at Edgewood Tahoe for his first American Century Championship in 2010.
Phil remembered something that had nothing to do with golf. He remembered how Steph treated people. After that first tournament, Phil told Dell Curry:
“Congratulations on raising a son that’s as nice as this young man.”
Dell smiled and replied:
“Do you know how much that makes a father feel?”
That exchange has stayed with Phil ever since.
What struck me most is that it echoes what Warriors fans and Bay Area media have witnessed for years. Whether it’s Chase Center, a community event or Lake Tahoe, Steph’s reputation isn’t built only on championships, it’s built on consistently treating people with respect.
Phil told me something else that stood out:
“He’s gotten even better because as he’s acquired more fame... he’s one of the most thoughtful people I’ve ever met.”
That’s high praise from someone who has spent decades working with celebrities across professional sports.
The Tournament Is Different Because the Athletes Can Be Themselves
Most sporting events naturally create distance between athletes and fans. The American Century Championship does the opposite.
Golf creates pauses. Players walk between holes, fans walk alongside them, there are conversations, high-fives, inside jokes.
One of them last year: “Hey Steph, are you a fan of Megan Thee Stallion?”
His answer? A smile. A glance back at the crowd. My oh my, times change quickly, don’t they? 😂
Occasionally, there’s even a memorable autograph. As Phil explained, the celebrities aren’t there carrying the pressure of their primary profession. They’re there to compete, yes, but also to reconnect with friends, enjoy Lake Tahoe and have fun.
Every year, NBC refreshes the field with new personalities while longtime participants return for what has become something like an annual reunion.
That atmosphere is exactly what makes Steph such a natural fit.
The Fans Are Part of the Show
Nobody illustrates that better than Mason Barber. If you’ve followed Warriors social media over the years, you’ve probably seen one of his viral moments.
There was the famous “Look at Curry, man...” jersey that Steph signed during the pandemic tournament after Mason happened to encounter him at Edgewood. That photo ended up making the rounds across national sports media during a quiet period in the sports calendar.
Then came perhaps the greatest autograph story I’ve ever heard. Mason asked Steph how many push-ups it would take to earn a signature.
Steph smiled: “Thirty.”
So Mason dropped to the ground — in front of roughly a thousand spectators at Tahoe altitude — and completed all thirty before earning not only the autograph, but also a handshake and a hug from Steph.
Eventually Steph even shared the moment on his own Instagram. You simply don’t find interactions like that during an NBA season.
Covering Tahoe Is Different, Too
For Let’s Go Warriors, this tournament has become its own tradition. Bianca Rhodes and I have been credentialed here for years.
While Bianca works inside the ropes capturing photographs from angles most fans never get to see, I’m outside the ropes filming video, talking with fans, gathering interviews and trying to bring everyone along for the experience.
Every evening, Bianca selects her favorite images from the day, many of which we’ve shared on Instagram over the years.
Those photographs have become one of my favorite parts of covering the tournament because they preserve moments television often misses: a smile between holes, a candid interaction with fans, or simply Steph enjoying one of the most beautiful sporting venues anywhere.
Why Lake Tahoe Never Gets Old
One thing Phil said really stuck with me:
“If you don’t have fun in Tahoe during this tournament, you better look in a mirror.”
He’s probably right. This event isn’t just about golf. It’s about atmosphere. It’s about the lake. It’s about watching athletes from different sports relax together. It’s about seeing personalities instead of press conferences.
And for Warriors fans, it’s another opportunity to appreciate Steph in an environment where his generosity toward fans is on full display. That’s one reason I’ve never gotten tired of covering it.
Even after stepping away from the daily Warriors beat, Lake Tahoe remains one event I look forward to every single summer.
Watch the Full Conversation
Below is my full discussion with Phil Weidinger and Mason Barber.
If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes logistics of the tournament, the evolution of the famous 17th hole, Mason’s unforgettable fan stories, or why the American Century Championship has become such a special stop for Steph Curry, I think you’ll enjoy the conversation.
Follow Along This Week
Over the next several days we’ll be sharing:
📸 Bianca’s favorite photos from each day
🎥 Behind-the-scenes videos from the course
⛳ Daily YouTube updates
📬 Additional coverage here on Substack
Whether you’re making the trip to Lake Tahoe or following from home, I hope we can bring you a little closer to one of the most enjoyable weeks on the Warriors calendar.
See you at Edgewood.
⛳️💙💛